Skin Type

Growing up I wasn't really into makeup, I would wear a little bit of mascara and perhaps some eye shadow now and again and I did have face powder but that was about it.  I never wore makeup to school and I never really bothered with it until my late teens. So when I wanted to explore makeup in more detail as an adult I had no idea what to look for.  

So as with everything I do I went to the Internet and began to do some research and one article I found said that before I look for a foundation you have to know your skin type.  I set about figuring it out.  I've always had breakouts, so thought that my skin was oily in places and I also knew I had dry skin so I assumed I had combination skin.  Off I toddled to town and bought skin care products for combination skin.  Within a week of using them my skin was beyond tight and itchy, something was wrong. Back to the drawing board.  At this point I had started watching Youtube videos and tutorials and had stumbled across the lovely Kathleen Lights. 

She was describing her skin, that it was dry and itchy and she had the occasional breakout. She had dry, sensitive skin, that makes sense, the breakouts weren't due to oily skin but sensitivity to products.  

This time instead of going into town straight away I did some more research and came across Paula's Choice (http://www.paulaschoice.co.uk/) and the beautypedia (http://www.beautypedia.com/).  As I read I found out some basic information that has helped me a great deal.  I came away with three basic points:

1.  I need to be careful of products with fragrances in them.

2.  Steer clear of anything with alcohol in it

3.  Sunscreen should be worn everyday

With this information I set about trying to find a skincare routine that would work for me.  One thing that I always used to do was buy a cleanser, toner and moisturiser from the same brand and line.  This time I didn't.  This time I went for the following all from Paula's Choice:

Skin Recovery Cream Cleanser

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion 

Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+

The cream cleanser means that I am not drying my skin out with anything with foam.  The BHA is a chemical exfoliate that doesn't just clean the surface of the skin but inside the pores too. The moisturiser I chose for my breakouts because it was light weight but still moisturised - it is by far the best sunscreen for the face I have ever come across.  

Another product that I use is from Clinique it takes off my make up like nothing else and it is just lovely its the Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. 

It again doesn't foam up like a normal make up remover and it's balm consistency feels great on my skin.  

Now I know what you are thinking these products are a little pricey and you are right, I will be looking for quality drugstore alternatives and when I find them you will be the first to know. For now though I have found something that works for me. 

I hope my web searching and trial and error has helped you. If there are any tips you would like to share comment below. 

Next week my trial and error with foundations...